Infested

Lore & Background

The genesis of the Infested lies in the hubris of the Orokin Empire. Seeking to extend life and harness the power of the Void, their scientists experimented with genetic manipulation on various species. These procedures inadvertently created a hyper-aggressive pathogen that rewrites DNA upon contact. The organism does not merely kill its host; it repurposes organic matter into new forms designed solely for propagation and consumption. During the Old War, this infection spread unchecked across Sol System colonies. Entire cities were swallowed by pulsating flesh and calcified armor as populations turned on one another or mutated beyond recognition. The Tenno were awakened specifically to counter this threat, utilizing their Void abilities to disrupt the Infested's cohesion and purify infected zones. Their efforts contained the plague but could not eradicate it entirely. Over time, different strains have evolved in isolation. Some factions, like the Mutalist Alad V's associates or rogue Grineer cells, attempt to weaponize specific mutations for combat. However, the Infested remain a chaotic variable that defies total control, constantly evolving new defenses and forms of attack against those who seek to contain them.

In Their Own Story

The airlock hissed open, revealing not the cold vacuum of space, but a warm, wet darkness pulsing with bioluminescent veins. The Tenno stepped forward, Warframe armor humming as spores drifted in the stagnant atmosphere like golden dust. Ahead, a Grineer soldier stood frozen, their body bloated and encased in chitinous plating that breathed on its own. There was no scream, only the wet sound of tearing flesh as the creature lunged, driven by an instinct older than reason.

Reader's Guide

During the height of the Orokin Empire, scientists sought to harness biological potential through Void experimentation. These efforts birthed a parasitic organism capable of rewriting DNA and consuming biomass indiscriminately. The resulting plague spread rapidly across Sol System colonies, mutating hosts into grotesque warriors driven by hunger. This outbreak marked the beginning of the Old War, forcing humanity to the brink of extinction as entire planets fell silent under layers of organic armor. In response, the Orokin awakened the Tenno, children imbued with Void powers capable of purging the infection. The Tenno fought tirelessly alongside their Warframes, eventually containing the Infested spread and driving them back into isolated pockets. However, the plague never fully vanished. It lingered in the shadows of space stations and deep within Earth's crust, waiting for new hosts to sustain its growth cycle. Today, the Infested remain a persistent threat across the Origin System. Various strains have evolved, including specialized mutations like the Mutalist faction that seeks to merge with technology. While the Grineer occasionally weaponize these creatures, they often struggle to control the infection's chaotic nature. Players must constantly clear infestations from ships and planets, ensuring this ancient biological horror does not consume what remains of civilized space once again.

Did You Know?

• Infested spores can infect inorganic machinery, turning ships into living organisms.
• The Grineer sometimes utilize Infested units as disposable shock troops despite the risk.
• Certain Warframes possess specific abilities designed to purge or resist infection.
• Earth remains a heavily infested planet due to its proximity to the original outbreak.